Junk Boat Gem: Halong Bay's Best Vessel Experience

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a popular tourist destination in Vietnam. Travellers can enjoy the picturesque natural scenery by taking a cruise or a boat tour. There are many options for junk boat cruises in Halong Bay, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury options. Some of the top-rated junk boat cruises include the Dragon Legend Cruise, the Orchid Classic Cruise, the Majestic Cruise, and the Emperor Cruises. These cruises offer comfortable cabins, delicious food, and various activities such as sightseeing, swimming, kayaking, and night squid fishing. The Dragon Legend Cruise, in particular, has received excellent reviews for its spacious rooms, accommodating staff, and delicious food. It is also a good option for those looking to avoid the crowds as it sails to the less visited Bai Tu Long Bay.

Luxury cruises

Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for luxury cruises. Here is a detailed overview of the best luxury cruises in Halong Bay:

Orchid Classic Cruise

The Orchid Classic Cruise is a highly-rated option with excellent reviews. It offers a beautiful sky bar and jacuzzi pool on the sundeck, with all cabins featuring private balconies and bathtubs. The cruise explores Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Island, and notable attractions such as Trung Trang Cave, Ao Ech Area, and Viet Hai Village.

Grand Pioneers Cruise

The Grand Pioneers Cruise is a brand-new super yacht with a wide range of entertainment options, including a swimming pool, sky bar, wine cellar, and 3D golf course. It has the largest cabin number and size among luxury cruises, with 55 cabins in total. The cruise explores notable destinations such as Sung Sot Cave, Dark & Bright Cave, and Luon Cave.

Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan

The Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan is a luxurious boutique cruise known for its artisanal products and impressive art gallery. It offers sumptuous facilities, including a 32m² swimming pool, piano lounge, and aesthetic library. The cruise explores Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Island, and attractions like Ba Trai Dao, Dark & Bright Cave, and Viet Hai Village.

Ambassador Signature Cruise

The Ambassador Signature Cruise is a new 5-star cruise known for its premium Asian-European cuisine and Michelin-starred menu. It offers lavish entertainment, including live music, spa treatments, and a reading area. The cruise explores Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Island, and destinations such as Viet Hai Village, Dark & Bright Cave, and Trung Trang Cave.

Dragon Legend Cruise

The Dragon Legend Cruise is a unique luxury cruise that explores Bai Tu Long Bay, one of the less visited areas of Halong Bay. It offers an off-the-beaten-path journey to magnificent scenery and provides friendly staff, kayaking, and exploration of local life in floating villages.

These luxury cruises offer exceptional services, world-class amenities, and unforgettable experiences in Halong Bay. They cater to different preferences, group sizes, and budgets, ensuring a memorable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the region.

Lan Ha Bay cruises

Lan Ha Bay, an extension of Halong Bay, is a less touristy alternative to Halong Bay cruises. It offers newer cruises with more modern facilities, including deluxe cabins with private balconies, outdoor swimming pools, jacuzzis, pool bars, ocean-view restaurants, gyms, and spas.

• Orchid Classic Cruise: This cruise has excellent reviews, with comfortable and clean rooms, and friendly staff. It explores Dark and Bright Cave and Trung Trang Cave.
• Genesis Luxury Regal Cruise: This cruise offers spacious rooms and delicious food. It includes a visit to Dark and Bright Cave and Tra Bau Area.
• Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan: This cruise has comfortable cabins and helpful staff. It also visits Dark and Bright Cave.
• Capella Cruise: This cruise offers a smooth and enjoyable experience with well-organised tours and activities, including kayaking. It includes a visit to Dark and Bright Cave and Frog Pond Area.
• Nostalgia Cruise: This cruise provides chic and spacious cabins with amazing views. It also visits Dark and Bright Cave.
• Elite of the Seas Cruise: This cruise is highly rated for its cleanliness and excellent service. It includes a visit to Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island.
• La Casta Regal Cruise: This cruise is known for its friendly and dedicated crew.
• Ambassador Signature Cruise: This cruise offers a special summer deal and has excellent reviews.
• Orchid Premium Cruise: This cruise has excellent reviews and offers a luxurious experience.
• Amanda Luxury Cruise: This cruise has received praise for its rooms and food, as well as its overall experience.

Bai Tu Long Bay cruises

Bai Tu Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an increasingly popular choice for day cruises and overnight adventures. It is quieter and less developed than its famous neighbour, Halong Bay, and offers a more peaceful travelling route.

Indochina Junk was the first company to receive permission to take tourists to Bai Tu Long Bay, and it offers a range of packages on different boats, including traditional wooden junks and luxury vessels. Its cruises include activities such as squid fishing, exploring floating villages, dining in a candlelit cave, and a BBQ on the beach.

Other companies offering cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay include:

• Dragon Legend Cruise: A traditional vessel focusing on eco-friendly practices and sustainable tourism.
• Renea Cruises: The best small boat in Bai Tu Long and Halong Bay, according to 98% of reviewers on TripAdvisor.
• Swan Cruises: Offers a 3-day, 2-night cruise of Bai Tu Long Bay, as well as Halong Bay.
• Signature Royal Cruise: A 2-day, 1-night programme with 100% of reviewers on TripAdvisor giving it a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
• Exploring the geological formations and learning about the region's biodiversity.
• Visiting floating villages and experiencing local life.
• Enjoying a BBQ on the beach or a floating house.
• Kayaking around the limestone islands.
• Relaxing in the less visited areas of Halong Bay.

The best time to visit Bai Tu Long Bay is in April, May, September and October, when the weather is cool and dry.

Day cruises

Cozy Bay Halong 5-Star Day Cruise

This premium 5-star cruise offers a full-day trip to Halong Bay, including shuttle bus transportation, a buffet, cave exploration, kayaking, and swimming. It has a 97% recommendation rating from travellers and is praised for its friendly and professional staff.

Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour

This cruise is an excellent choice for those seeking an active escape from the crowds on land. It offers kayaking, swimming, hiking, and a delicious lunch. With a 98% recommendation rating, it is one of the best-selling day cruises in Halong Bay.

Lan Ha - Ha Long Bay 1-Day Boat Trip

Starting from Cat Ba Island, this boat trip takes you to remote parts of the bay, ensuring a tranquil experience away from the crowds. It includes kayaking from Cat Ba to explore the bay's hidden gems. It has a 99% recommendation rating from travellers.

Diamond Halong 5-Star Day Cruise

Admire the beauty of Halong Bay's heritages with this luxurious 5-star cruise, which boasts an elegant design, spacious cabins, and a jacuzzi pool. The cruise includes a buffet lunch, wine, and fruit. It has a 100% recommendation rating from travellers.

Sea Octopus Day Cruise

The Sea Octopus Cruise offers high-class facilities and modern amenities for a luxurious experience in Halong Bay. It has a 99% recommendation rating from travellers and is known for its excellent service and comfortable transportation.

Private junks

L'Amour Junk

L'Amour Junk, operated by Indochina Junk, offers a private charter experience with spacious cabins, an ensuite dining area, and an upper deck. Their 3-day, 2-night cruise explores the beautiful Bai Tu Long Bay, and includes activities like kayaking and a BBQ on the beach. The crew is attentive and friendly, and the food is delicious, with large portions.

Dragon Pearl Junk

The Dragon Pearl Junk, also from Indochina Junk, is a traditional wooden junk boat ideal for a private cruise. With just four cabins, it offers an exclusive experience. The crew is well-trained and expert, and the food is plentiful. The boat visits destinations like Thien Canh Son Cave, Hon Co Island, and Vung Vieng Village.

Swan Cruise

Swan Cruise is recommended by BestPrice Travel as the best private junk in terms of service. They offer a range of activities and comfortable accommodations.

Oriental Sails

Oriental Sails is recommended by BestPrice Travel for having the best schedule. They offer a variety of cruise options, including day cruises and overnight cruises, with activities such as kayaking, swimming, and squid fishing.

Aclass Legend Cruise

The Aclass Legend Cruise is recommended by BestPrice Travel for those seeking the most spacious private junk. This wooden junk boat features a huge 130m2 sun terrace and broad cabins with ensuite jacuzzis. The cruise explores Bai Tu Long Bay and visits attractions like Vung Vieng Village and Cong Dam.

Phoenix Cruise

For a romantic private junk experience, BestPrice Travel suggests the Phoenix Cruise. They offer a range of activities and comfortable accommodations to make your trip memorable.

These private junks offer unique and personalised experiences in Halong Bay, allowing you to explore the bay's beauty and enjoy various activities with excellent service and accommodations.

Frequently asked questions